Abstract: A dispensing system (10) configured to dispense a dental composition, the dispensing system including: (i) a dental tray (14) comprising a tray reservoir (18) configured to receive a dental composition (26), and further comprising a guide rail (22); (ii) a dental composition reservoir (12) for containing at least one dental composition; and (iii) a dispensing mechanism (16) in communication with the guide rail and configured to expel the dental composition from the dental composition reservoir in response to the dispensing mechanism moving along the guide rail, the dispensing mechanism comprising a nozzle (24) configured to direct the dispensed dental composition into the tray reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for use in improving the appearance of a patient's teeth having plurality of defects. More particularly, the process involves obtaining a cast having a plurality of teeth portions corresponding to the patient's teeth. The cast include a plurality of defects corresponding to the defects of the patient's teeth. A first material is applied to the tooth portions of the cast to correct the defects in the cast and to form a modified version of the cast without removing any of the cast material from any of the tooth portions of the cast. A mold is made using the modified version of the cast. The mold is used in applying a second material to the patient's teeth for creating a temporary modified look directly on the patient's teeth for viewing by the patient.

Abstract: A dental arch model and method for making the same is shown and described. The dental arch model includes a connector having opposite ends that connect to a respective one of the arch legs. The connector has a three-dimensional shape but does not include a surface that is both planar and parallel to the base of the arch connector along more than two thirds of the arch connector's length. In certain examples, the connector is in the shape of a prism or a trapezoid. In other examples, the connector has an upper surface that is sloped relative to the base of the arch connector. The arch connector may also include a plurality of fluid passageways for allowing fluid flow from an interior area between the inner walls of the arch connector to a location outside of the connector.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a dental mold. The method generally includes: (a) scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional first digital model of the existing dental structure, (b) modifying the first digital model of the existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional second digital model of a planned dental structure; (c) generating a three-dimensional third digital model corresponding to a negative of the second digital model; (d) digitally sectioning the third digital model into at least one buccal model portion and at least one lingual model portion of the third digital model; and (e) creating a dental mold comprising at least one buccal mold portion and at least one lingual mold portion based on the sectioned third digital model.

Abstract: A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth.

Abstract: The invention provides a plastic impression tray for a local area having an outer wall provided in an outer side of a curve of a bottom portion, and an inner wall provided in an inner side of the curve of the bottom portion. A rim having a particular height is provided in the bottom portion side along each of upper ends of the outer wall and the inner wall, elongated through holes each reaching the bottom portion from a portion just below the rim are formed approximately at uniform distances in the outer wall and the inner wall, circular through holes each having a particular diameter are formed at particular positions in the bottom portion, and elongated end portion side through holes each having a particular width and a particular length are provided vertically to an axial direction of the bottom portion, in both ends of the bottom portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a plastic impression tray for an upper jaw having a bottom portion provided with an outer wall and a bulge portion. A rim is provided along an upper end of the outer wall, elongated through holes having a particular width are provided in the outer wall such that a distance between the adjacent through holes is particular times the width, similar elongated through holes are provided in the bulge portion, circular through holes having a particular diameter are provided at the center of the distances of the adjacent elongated through holes in the outer wall, and elongated end portion side through holes having particular width and length are provided on a line connecting the bottom portion side end portions of the elongated through holes at the closest side to the end portions of the U-like shaped portion in the outer wall and the bulge portion.

Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides a plastic impression tray for a lower jaw having an outer wall, an inner wall and a bottom portion and forming a U-shaped flat surface. A rim with a particular height is provided along each of upper ends of the outer wall and the inner wall, through holes with particular widths are provided with a particular relationship between the distance between the adjacent through holes and a width of the through hole, circular through holes with particular diameters are provided between the through holes in the bottom portion, and bottom portion through holes with particular widths and lengths are provided on a line connecting the bottom portion sides of the through holes which are positioned at the closest side to the end portion of the U-shaped portion in the end portion thereof, or in a closer side to the end portion than the line, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering occlusal dimensions, comprising a support surface sized and configured for providing areal support to a registration rim; and at least one connector adapted to releasably connect to a dental implant extension.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental material comprises a compartment for the dental material, a piston for extruding the dental material from the compartment, and a spindle drive for moving the piston and the compartment relative to one another. The spindle drive comprises first and second threads which are operable for moving the piston. The first thread has a first pitch and the second thread has a different second pitch. In one embodiment, the invention may provide a relatively inexpensive and reliable dental dispensing device.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to the use of a musculoskeletal repositioning device in physical rehabilitation and athletic training by causing increased muscular strength and power and decreased muscular tension especially during the physical rehabilitation and athletic training. The device guides the condyles and articulating discs of the temporomandibular joint from a neutral or passive position into an active power position.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to the use of a musculoskeletal repositioning device in the birthing process by causing increased muscular strength and decreased muscular tension especially during the “push” phase of child birth. The device guides the condyles and articulating discs of the temporomandibular joint from a neutral or passive position into an active power position.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal repositioning devices are described. The devices are worn in the mouth and cause the lower jaw of the wearer to move into an active optimal position that relieves stress on the temporomandibular joint, causing increased muscular strength and decreased muscular tension. The devices have ramps on their upper surfaces which contact the upper posterior teeth and lingual anatomy and cause the jaw to reposition from a passive bite position to an active optimal bite position. A casting device for forming a musculoskeletal repositioning device and a method for using the casting device are also described.

Abstract: A dental impression cartridge connector is provided. The dental impression cartridge connector comprises a cartridge connector body and a connector guide penetrating the front and back surfaces of the cartridge connector body. The cartridge connector body connects dental impression cartridges opposite to each other. The connector guide allows the dental impression cartridges to be coupled to each other. The dental impression cartridge connector can be used to transfer a catalyst and a base remaining in one of the used dental impression cartridges to another dental impression cartridge. Therefore, the dental impression cartridge connector allows the residual catalyst and base to be reused and not wasted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dental impression tray and related methods. In one embodiment, a dental impression tray includes a first portion for receiving impression material from a source and a second portion is configured for receiving a patient's upper or lower teeth and will at least partial define a cavity shaped to receive the teeth during use. In use, impression material introduced into the first portion can pass through openings and into the second portion and around a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Single-use cartridges for the storing and dispensing of dental two-component impression materials have a closable external chamber with a cylinder-shaped external wall, a cylindrical closable internal chamber that is arranged coaxially or eccentric therein, a mixing element including housing and mobile mixer that is to be mounted separately or connected firmly to the external chamber at its inlet end. Either the internal cylindrical chamber is arranged such that it can be rotated and forms the drive shaft for the mobile mixer part of the mixing element, or the drive shaft extends parallel to the central axis through the internal cylindrical chamber or forms the central axis. The content of the chambers can be dispensed by means of conveying means whose axial thrust motions can be controlled independent of each other.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous substance is described having a gun-shaped body with a grip part and a barrel part; a mouth piece arranged at an output end of the barrel part; a reception space at the output end for receiving a cartridge with the substance; a plunger accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for pressing the substance outwards out of the cartridge through the mouth piece; an actuator accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for displacing the plunger; an operating mechanism for operating the displacement of the actuator by a user; a vibration motor coupled to the plunger or to the actuator, which can be supplied by a battery to be placed in the grip; and a switch for switching the motor ON.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes two sections, a vertical component and a horizontal component. The foam is molded into a configuration such that the vertical component curves around the anterior section of the maxillary dental arch to the lateral aspects, just beyond the canine teeth. At the mouth temperature of 98.6 degrees F., the vertical component is held perfectly between the upper lip and teeth by the general pressure of lip musculature. There is a V-shaped notch in the midline of the vertical section to accommodate the maxillary labial frenum. The horizontal component provides a bite platform and a slit is located along the midline forming two rearwardly extending tabs to facilitate the curvature of the bite platform. Accommodative curvature of the vertical section is provided by spaces between the horizontal component and the ends of the vertical component forming deflectable wings in these regions.

Abstract: A customizable and reusable mouthpiece for diving use having a passageway-forming front member extending from a proximal in-mouth end to a distal outside end and a U-shaped formable back member is described. The back member provides a hollow cavity portion located in the bitewing section that may be partially filled with a gel-like or other suitable substance configured to provide custom moldability at substantially all points of contact between the mouthpiece and the teeth such that the mouthpiece is securely gripped by the teeth. The mouthpiece requires pressure relief channels so that air or fluids may enter into and be forced out of the hollow cavity providing a bellows-like action that provides a means for the bitewing and materials of composition to return to essentially its original shape. Reusability of the mouthpiece, more specifically the bitewings is directly related to the choice and combination of materials, dimensioning and processing.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A user-fabricated mouth guard wherein the user's teeth and gums are not directly exposed to the uncured mouth guard material. The uncured mouth guard material is pliant at room temperature and does not have to be heated to form and shape the mouth guard. The cured mouth guard can be pliant or rigid at room temperature. A kit and a method of forming the mouth guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an efficient and inexpensive way to form dental clasps and fixed single unit temporary prostheses from molten thermoplastic resin. The apparatus and method allow a dental laboratory to make non-metallic clasps using an inexpensive handheld thermoplastic injection unit/gun that injects molten resin into a model of the clasp made from wax. A silicone putty matrix allows the resin to flow into a vacated wax model of the clasp. The time and money needed for this is much less than is needed to create such clasps using hot press equipment.

Abstract: Methods and kits of materials and supplies for forming a dental prosthesis by an injection molding process in situ in a patient's mouth so as to correct the imperfect teeth of the patient's dentition. The imperfect teeth are corrected by injection molding the dental prosthesis in situ in the patient's mouth using a mold of a corrected model of the patient's dentition placed over the imperfect teeth. Adjacent teeth are covered with a polymer release material prior to injection molding of teeth to be corrected, such that the teeth to be corrected have at least one tooth between them draped with the polymer release material to provide a space adjacent to each of the corrected teeth. The corrected teeth are then covered with the polymer release material in a second round of treatment to complete the procedure on the remaining teeth.

Abstract: A viscous material dispensing system 100 utilizes pressurized gas directed to one end of a piston 109 and cylinder 103 assembly to extrude impression material 128, 129 from a dispenser 121 through a tube 133 into a dental tray 135 which hardens to form a mold of the patient's mouth. The movement of the piston 109 is controlled by switches 147, 149 which control gas valves 143, 145 which direct the pressurized gas to either side of the piston 109. A timer 141 is built into the material dispensing system to monitor the working time and the set time of the impression material 128, 129 after it has been injected into the dental tray 135.

Abstract: A device (10) for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch (12) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A deformable material (16) couples the upper arch (12) to the lower arch (14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The deformable material (16) is bonded to the upper arch (12) and bonded to the lower arch (14) to fix the forward position of the lower arch (14). The aliphatic polyester may include a polycaprolactone polymer. The deformable material (16) may be placed in a deformable state to allow the lower arch (14) to be adjusted to a new position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold for producing the model of a tooth from a dental impression (28), comprising a peripheral wall (12), a model plate (38) which is tightly arranged on the top thereof and an impression spoon (14) bearing the dental impression (28). Said spoon is tightly inserted into the lower end of the peripheral wall (12). The hollow cavity (42) thus obtained is filled with molding material to give a highly precise tooth model requiring no further mechanical processing.

Abstract: An impression tray is provided with a dispersal member which receives impression material for delivery into the impression tray. A one-step method includes the provision of barriers on the impression tray to confine light bodied impression material in the tray during the delivery of the material into the tray and the taking of the impression. A two-step method entails the direct deposit of heavy bodied impression material into the impression tray and the taking of a preliminary impression. A jig for punching the preliminary impression confines the impression tray during the formation of passageways for later injected lighter impression material injected into the dispersal member and then to the impression tray. An air cylinder is controlled by an operator for selective discharge of impression material from tubular containers and into the dispersal member. A unitary impression tray is disclosed with a dispersion channel for directing impression material into place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing dental working cast for use for preparing a crown or a denture of metal-bonded porcelein or of all ceramic in dental therapy, by preparing a removable positive model of tooth from impression, processing it into a model of the working cast and replicating the model using a suitable material chosen from resin, die material, refractory cast material and modified dental stone, to obtain the working cast.

Abstract: A dental impression tray for forming a dental prosthesis, the dental tray including a trough-like configuration. A valve device is provided for adjustable placement within slots in the outer walls of the tray, the valve device being suitably placed with respect to a mold cavity defined within the tray. The tray is placed over a positive restored model of dental area and a negative impression is formed in the tray. The restored area is then removed from the positive model and the tray is replaced onto the unrestored model. The mold cavity is defined between the negative impression and the unrestored dental model. Casting material is then inserted through the valve device to form a dental prosthesis, which can be used directly as the final prosthesis, or can be used as a model for further forming of the final dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A disposable dental impression tray is provided in its bottom with a number of inlets for injection of the impression material, preferably one inlet at each tooth. Each inlet has a connecting member, preferably defining a conical opening snugly receiving a tubular nip at the discharge end of a syringe. The syringe can thus be removably applied at any selected inlet of the tray to substantially reduce the pressure required for an accurate impression of the required area, as compared with known impression trays having only a single opening for injecting the impression material to obtain impression of several teeth, which often produces relatively poor impressions of the teeth remote from the opening. The readily detachable connection between the syringe and the tray provides for quick and convenient selective injection at the desired location. The tray is preferably produced from a generally transparent plastic material by injection molding and can thus be made as a disposable element.

Abstract: A combined dental impression tray with a syringe is provided, wherein the communication between the syringe and the tray is effected, in the most preferred embodiment, by way of a side opening in the wall of the barrel of the syringe. The opening communicates with the bottom section of the tray and is very short compared to the diameter or cross-sectional area of the passage for the impression material. The opening is arranged such that it can be closed by the piston of the syringe while a first impression of the tissue area is taken. A device detachably secured to the tray apparatus is also provided to facilitate cutting out of a portion of the dental mixture, the cutting device being preferably of the type of a reciprocating tubular cutting die whose edge engages the bottom wall of the tray at a close spacing about the said opening.

Abstract: A dental impression tray for forming a negative impression of a dental area to be restored. Application devices on the tray permit injection of dental restorative material into a mold cavity defined between the negative impression formed in the tray and the dental area after preparation thereof for restoration. In this manner, a dental prosthesis can be formed in situ utilizing the dental impression tray itself as part of the mold forming device. In a modified form, the tray can be separated into two half sections, whereby in further embodiments thereof, the half sections can be joined together and are interchangeable with half sections of different sizes.